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RIVER RATINGS
Rivers are rated using roman numerals I to VI according to the International Scale of River Difficulty. Note also that a river's level of challenge changes with fluctuations in water levels; a river rated Class IV at medium water levels might resemble a Class III river at lower water levels, while at higher levels, it might look more like a Class IV+. The rating system used in the Grand Canyon, which rates rapids 1 to 10, pre-dates the modern Class I-VI system of rating rapids. A "10" in the Grand Canyon is comparable to a Class V rapid elsewhere.
***Note that multi-day expeditions can have a wide variety of rapids on a single trip, from class I to class V, so check with your outfitter to get details***
First-time and veteran rafters alike thrive on class II, III and some class IV rivers and rapids. Class V river trips--especially for paddlers--usually require two or more previous trips and previous Class IV experience. When booking your rafting trip with a Rafting America company, make sure you let the outfitter know your comfort and experience level so they can recommend the right trip for you.
| Mild & Moderate River Rafting |
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CLASS I
Easy - Waves small, passages clear; no serious obstacles, perfect for all ages and abilities. No guide needed.
CLASS II
Medium - Rapids of low difficulty with passages clear. Suitable for everyone, no experience necessary. A guide is preferable for these rapids, but not required.
CLASS III
Moderate - Waves numerous, high, irregular; rocks; eddies; rapids with passages clear though narrow, requiring experience in maneuvering. No previous experience is necessary.
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DESTINATIONS
Alaska - Copper, Kennicott, Nizina Rivers
Canada- B.C.- Thompson River
Canada- Northern Territories
Canada- Ontario- Ottawa River
California- American (south), Kern , Kings Rivers
Colorado- Gunnison, Upper Colorado
Glacier National Park - Flathead River
Jackson Hole, WY - Snake River
New Mexico- Rio Grande River
New York- Deleware River
Oregon- Rogue River
Maine- Kennebec River
Massachusetts- Deerfield, Miller Rivers
North Carolina- Nantahala River
Pennsylvania- Lehigh River
SC/Georgia- Chattooga River (section III)
Tennesee - Pigeon River
Utah- Colorado, Green Rivers
Washington-Tieton, Wenatchee, Skagit Rivers
West Virginia- New River (upper)
Wisonsin -Peshtigo River
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| Wet & Wild River Rafting |
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CLASS IV
Difficult - Long rapids; waves powerful, irregular; dangerous rocks; boiling eddies; powerful and precise maneuvering required. Have an experienced guide. Previous experience is helpful, but not necessary.
CLASS V
Extremely Difficult - Exceedingly difficult, long and violent rapids, following each other almost without interruption; riverbed extremely obstructed; big drops; violent currents; very steep gradient. Paddlers should have prior Class IV or better whitewater experience with experienced guides who know the river.
CLASS VI
Unrunnable!Just like it says - Don't even think about it! These constitute waterfalls and other death-traps that should not be attempted.
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DESTINATIONS
Arizona - Salt River
California- American (north, middle), Kaweah, Merced, Tulomne, Yuba, kern Rivers,
Canada- B.C.- Nahatlatch, Stein Rivers
Canada- Ontario- Ottawa River
Colorado- Arkansas, Dolores, North Platte Rivers
Glacier National Park- Flathead River
Grand Canyon- Colorado River
Connecticut- Housatonic River
Oregon - Rogue River
Maine- Penobscot, Dead Rivers
Massachusetts - Deerfield, Concord, Rivers
North Carolina - Cheaoh River
SC/Georgia
- Chattooga River (section IV)
Tennesee- Ocoee River
Utah - Cataract Canyon, Westwater Canyon
Vermont- West River
Washington-Toutle, Green, White Salmon, Skykomish Rivers
West Virginia - Gauley, New River (lower)
Wisonsin- Menominee, Peshtigo Rivers
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Some additional class rating explanations can be found at White water rafting: Johann & Sandra . Ready to find a trip? Start from the white water rafting homepage and click on the destination you are interested in.
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